Local News

By Tehachapi News

The City of Tehachapi has been working with organizers of the presidential visit to the National Chavez Center at Keene for several days to provide a staging and parking area for those who plan to attend the event on Monday, according to City Manager Greg Garrett.

The public is advised that there will be a lot of traffic in the area Highway 58 at Mill Street on Monday morning because the Capital Hills area north of the highway is being used as a parking lot and shuttle boarding area.

President Barack Obama will be in the area to announce the establishment of the César E. Chávez National Monument. According Jack Gotcher, director of Kern County Airports, the president will land at about 9 a.m. Monday at Meadows Field Airport. Details about how he will get from Bakersfield to Keene have not been released.

Earlier this week it was announced that the United Farm Workers would accommodate perhaps thousands of guests at its headquarters in Keene and many people visited the UFW website to ask to attend.

Today, some of those who signed up received email notices that additional sign-ups could not be accommodated. Those who signed up in time received instructions directing them to the Capital Hills area of Tehachapi, near the Holiday Inn north of Highway 58 at the Mill Street exit, where they are to report between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. Monday. Attendees are told they will be transported the approximately 10 miles to Keene and should expect to remain there the entire day, perhaps as late as 5 p.m.

Press representatives requesting credentials have also been directed to the same area to be shuttled to La Paz.

“As per the Secret Service, no cars will be allowed to park at the National Chavez Center,” the UFW notice states. “Special event” signs will be in the area of Highway 58 and Mill on Monday morning to direct those who have confirmed invitations to the shuttle boarding are. Tickets will be available at a “will call” table and will be required for admission.

The notice also hints at a day of festivities for those in attendance.

“After the President speaks you will have the opportunity to be among the first people to tour the national park and its facilities and enjoy the entertainment,” the notice states.